500: An art installation by Xavier Cortada commemorating the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon's journey to Florida. In 1513, the Spanish explorer visited Key Biscayne and named it Santa Marta. It is the only location on our peninsula we know with certainty as having hosted Ponce de Leon.

Cortada's "500" exhibit at Key Biscayne's Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Preserve will include an installation of 500 porcelain sculptures depicting Florida's native wildflowers-- the same ones that grew in our state when Juan Ponce de Leon landed in 1513 and named it "La Florida”–from "flor," the Spanish word for flower.

Cortada's flower installation will be transformed into 500 living gardens across the community:

Each flower sculpture comes with a packet of Florida wildflower seeds. Those purchasing the sculptures are asked to take both the sculpture and seeds home and plant a garden dedicated to one of 500 Floridians who helped shape Florida history during the past 500 years (or to a Floridian who is special in their lives). To see list please visit www.flor500.com.

Proceeds from sales benefit the Biscayne Nature Center and FIU College of Architecture + The Arts student scholarships.